I can send an email directly to the author…  let me know if you want me to add anything else.

 

 

 

“Ashlee,

 

I was disappointed in the New York Times article.  I would have liked to see a more positive spin on these new options for people with disabilities. 

 

I think that everyone is aware that insurance companies take a long time to change their policies, but I also do not think that insurance companies should be expected to buy everything for everyone. 

 

Specifically for people with ALS, using a Netbook or an iPhone as a communication device is an option for only a small segment of the population.  For those people it does make sense for them to purchase this regular tech on their own to use until their disease progresses.  Netbooks and iPhones will never be a good option for patient with ALS that can only move their eyes – these people need equipment that is specifically designed for their needs.

 

I agree that the manufacturers of Augmentative/Alternative Communication devices should look at ways to lower their prices, but they are dealing with such a small market that there are limits.  The flip side of your argument for the manufacturers to change is the person with CP that needs that rugged system.  With these systems, mom or dad can call a tech support number to get something fixed and talk to a human who understands the needs of people with disabilities.  Dell and the like will NEVER be able to meet those needs.

 

I think it would have been a more interesting article to show how regular tech is being used as assistive tech.  How many people with spinal cord injuries are using Bluetooth devices?  How are people with speech impairments and hearing impairments using Skype to “talk” to relatives via chatting and sign language?  If regular tech companies thought more about Universal Design and made their products more useable to people with disabilities, then we would not even be having this conversation.

 

A good example of this is the Kindle – so many people with disabilities could be using this device if just a few small changes were made to allow them to access it. 

 

A front page article in the New York Times could bring attention to these needs to manufactures and make this a more accessible world.

 

Well, that is the way I see it.”